Mugabe’s full speech at the official opening of the 8th Parliament today

Madame President, Mr. Speaker Sir,

The sustained growth in the mining sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, hinges on the full implementation of the beneficiation and value addition programme.  I, therefore, appeal for the expeditious finalization of Parliament scrutiny of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, and the Mineral Exploration and Marketing Corporation Bill.  Furthermore, in order to curb mineral leakages and realise full value from the country’s rich mineral endowment, amendments to the Gold Trade Act and the Precious Stones Trade Act, will be tabled for consideration during this Session.

 Madame President, Mr. Speaker Sir,

 In the tourism sector, I wish to note that Zimbabwe has acceded to the relevant Annex of the 1947 UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, and also ratified the UNWTO Statutes and Financing Rules.  This, it is envisaged, will enhance the free movement of staff and experts, as we seek to consolidate our tourism brand.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker Sir,

The continued loss of lives through traffic accidents on our roads is disturbing.  Government is, thus, in the process of establishing a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund to, among other issues, accord a measure of relief to survivors and families of the victims perhaps much more needs to be done in that regard.  I, once again, appeal to all our drivers and public passenger transport operators to play their part in preventing the carnage on our roads.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker Sir,

The advent of information communication technologies, while creating fertile opportunities for development, has also brought with it new challenges.  As part of our own efforts to deal with these challenges, this Parliament will receive, for consideration, the Cyber Crime and Cyber Security Bill, the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, and the Data Protection Bill.

 Madame President, Mr. Speaker Sir,

In the education sector, a Teaching Professions Council Bill, which seeks to regulate and promote ethical conduct within the teaching profession, will be tabled in this Parliament.  Furthermore, a Bill to establish the Institute of Education Research, Innovation and Development will be tabled for consideration during this Parliamentary Session.

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